A society is known by the concern and attitude of the other sectors toward the senior citizens in the community. Writer Pearl S. Buck once commented, “Yet somehow our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young, or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members.”

In the Philippines, lolos and lolas are treated with much respect, and dwell with their respective families instead of resigning them to the hospices. This could be attributed mainly to cultural and economic reasons. Cultural, because Filipinos genuinely care for, and love to look after the old members of their family. On the other hand, it is economic, because the Philippines is one country that accord no social welfare benefits or very limited health program to its senior citizens.

In most instances, the senior citizens were left to fend for themselves, or under the care of their children as dependents. Inevitably, they have to contend with the spiraling cost of living, amidst their meager pensions and financial support. Although they can avail of the 20% discounts on medicines, transportation fares, and in selected food establishments, it is imperative for the government to expand said benefits into a wide range of concerns, in order for the senior citizens to live comfortably, and with dignity.

That is why the enactment of R.A. 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act last February 2005 proved to be the proverbial second wind beneath the tired and weary wings of our old folks. Under this law, Filipino senior citizens aged 60 and above can now avail of more benefits from the various public and private institutions. The new law now covers even those senior citizens with no income. All they have to do is to present a valid identification card (ID) indicating his or her date of birth.

There are also provisions under the law that mandated public and private institutions to extend discounts to the senior citizens which could be up to 50%. It also requires business establishments and local government units to establish special lanes for the elderly in their respective service facilities.

Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd) is mandated to offer educational assistance to senior citizens who are still qualified to pursue courses. Aside from educational and health services, the new law also requires mortuaries to extend discounted funeral and burial services.

By hindsight, it is for our own good that we take care of our old ones. The Fifth Commandment states, “Honor your father and mother.” But it did not ended there, as it continues with a promise. “Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.” (Exodus 20:12)

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Last November 2004, super typhoon Unding hit the Philippines and caused severe floodings and landslide in central Luzon that left 171 people dead, 34,000 homeless, and a wide trail of destruction.

In Naga City, one of the conspicuous destructions was the covered court of the Naga City Science High School worth Php3.4 million constructed through the financial assistance of Senator Francis Pangilinan.

In the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) General Assembly held last April 2, 2005 in the said school Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo said that this is the only one out of the many covered courts in public schools constructed in Naga City that toppled down.

Is it because the ill-fated covered court was designed and administered by the DPWH? Uncanny coincidence? Just asking.

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On OLD AGE:
“Nobody loves life like an old man.”-Sophocles
“No wise man ever wished to be younger.” - Jonathan Swift

JOKE TIME
Overheard from a complaining senior coed from Ateneo de Naga University:
“My mother is such an alarmist. One cough and she thinks I have bronchitis. A headache, and she is sure it’s brain tumor. One little lie, and she thinks I’m destined to be the president of the republic!”
QUOTES for the President Under Siege (PUS)
“The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being on the right.” -Lord Hailsham
“You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.” -Eldridge Cleave
“It is alright letting yourself go as long as you get back yourself.” - Mick Jagger
“It is better to be defeated in principle than to win in lies.” - Arthur Calwell
“When everything is going badly and you are trying to make up your mind, look towards the heights, no complication there.” - Charles de Gaulle